Overview & Reviews

GMC is a division of General Motors that focuses on producing SUVs, trucks and vans. Though GMC's vehicles are mechanically similar to related Chevrolet products, they are typically differentiated by unique features, trim levels and minor styling tweaks. The automaker's full-size pickups and SUVs are the most compelling offerings in its lineup; in many cases, its products in these categories are class-leading.

The marque's roots lie in the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, a truck manufacturer that was founded by Max Grabowski in 1902. The outfit was purchased by General Motors in 1909 with the intention of having it serve as a division dedicated to building tough and capable trucks. The brand came to be known as GMC Truck; early models include the T16 and T20. Most of the manufacturer's trucks were very utilitarian in nature and functioned as dump trucks, fire trucks and military vehicles. GMC Truck's 3/4-ton Model 16 saw duty in World War I, serving mostly as a battlefield ambulance.

Sales continued to climb in the 1920s. After switching to a six-cylinder Buick-built motor, GMC Truck's 1- and 2-ton trucks earned the distinction of being the fastest in their classes. By the '30s, the line had grown to include everything from half-ton pickups to 10-ton trucks and buses. New models included the popular 1936 Suburban, which was essentially a truck-based station wagon that paired a truck's utility with a car's creature comforts.

World War II was a time of expansion for GMC Truck, thanks to its acquisition of Yellow Truck & Coach. Once again, the automaker's vehicles were tapped for wartime duty. New models like the Jimmy and the DUKW (nicknamed the Duck) were widely used by American troops.

Postwar, GMC Truck models became more consumer-oriented, and many were revamped to offer styling that more closely resembled passenger cars. The 1950s and '60s witnessed an upswing in sales, thanks to the popularity of recreational vehicles like GMC-based motor homes and pickup campers. The Jimmy name was revived and assigned to the brand's first ever sport-utility vehicle in 1970. That decade and the next saw a continued rise in the brand's popularity. The early '90s saw the brief appearance of the Syclone and Typhoon. The former was a small street pickup that burned up the asphalt with its turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The latter was essentially a two-door SUV based on the same platform. Either one of these oddball speedsters could rip through a quarter-mile in around 14 seconds flat, making them among the quickest vehicles ever offered by General Motors. Also, by this time, GMC Truck had trimmed its moniker; the brand is now known simply as GMC.

In the past few decades, GM has consolidated its products and GMC's trucks have become less individualistic as a result. Today, most of GMC's vehicles are virtually identical to those sold by Chevrolet. The main differences lie in minor features and design tweaks that give GMC's offerings a more upscale image.

User Reviews:

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  Worst truck Ie ever owned - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By RockStedE - July 28 - 8:23 am

  Truly a masterpiece of "poor" engineering. 2004 sierra 2500 with a duramax diesel and Alison transmission. Had to replace the intermediate steering shaft the first year. The vehicle constantly looses prime and shuts down. Heres the kicker . The oil pressure gauge flutters and the annoying chime rings constantly indicating low oil pressure. The cluster panel has been changed twice, the oil pressure sending unit has been changed three times. They even changed the oil pump? Still, no fix. This truck has been a nightmare from day one!

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  Pain of the Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By vols - July 6 - 5:27 pm

  I have never owned a vehicle with this many problems. As soon as all the recalls started to roll out that included this one, I should have known right then to get rid of it. The value has depreciated so badly on it that it is sickening. Been in the shop on a regular basis to have various repairs done that were covered under extended warranty and some that werent. Had the engine practically rebuilt and still have tons of problems with it. The fuel economy is no where near what is advertised for these vehicles either.

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  Bad workmanship - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Cristin - June 20 - 2:00 am

  My GMC has had three front differentials and MANY, MANY other problems. I know the whole service department by first name basis. They have even asked when I was going to start getting a pay check... GMC does not stand behind their product when it comes right down to it. They might fix it if you know what you are talking about, otherwise thay might pull a quick one. GMC has been making these SUVs for a long time so you might think they would have all the quirks worked out ~ at least thats why I bought GMC. BUT its NOT the case.

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  GMC canyon disapointment - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By pman - May 23 - 1:21 am

  I have a vibration at 48-54 mph, which is considered normal by GMC. Fuel mileage with the 4 cylinder averages 15-19 mpg at best. No adjustmets for the seat backs, no exterior key lock for passenger door. not much help from GMC. Its probably the last GMC vehicle I will buy.

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  Run Denali Run - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Karen Williams - May 10 - 12:30 pm

  I have never experienced such poor quality from a vechile. I feel sorry for anyone that has purchased a Yukon and is having problems. The amount of money spent on this vechile could have purchased several vechiles of better quality.

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  My Last GM product - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wdh2 - May 8 - 6:07 am

  I bought this truck used with 50K miles; GMC certified + factory warranty remaining for 10K more miles. I have had lots of problems out of this truck. In less than 5 months of ownership; -the center console shorted out -the rear brakes locked up and burned up the rear-end which had to be replaced (not covered under warranty) -Lots of vibration in front end- the front end came loose from the truck and had to be re-welded -Power steering kept cutting off when turning (frayed line attributed to the front end separation) -Short in heated seats -Tail gate had to be replaced and now the new one will not open (dealer installed) -Transmission is now slipping This truck has only seen pavement

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  Research Before Buying - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Glenn - March 4 - 2:06 am

  The quality of this truck is questionable. Major issues include getting only 275 - 300 miles/tank of gas. Serious steering problems with absolutely no long-term fixes. This is a widespread issue which truly makes the truck a misery to drive! Rust at less than two years. Faulty air, seating, and other minor repairs. I can hardly imagine buying another due to GMs lack of being able to warrany their trucks and offering a fix on such a major steering issue. All they offer is a lube which needs to be applied every four to six months and does not really work well.

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  Very unreliable truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By St Louis Ex Owner - January 28 - 3:22 am

  Just traded this piece of junk in for a Nissan pathfinder, hopefully I have better luck with the new vehicle. I dont know where to start. To begin with it was in the shop more than on the road. First it was the blower motor, then the transfer case, then the brakes (all under warranty). Finally when it was out of warranty the ball joints in the front which was $500 at 39,000 miles. Enough was enough so I am through with this money pit. Thank god. Sad thing is this was the first vehicle I really tried to baby.

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  Very Poor Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By none - January 11 - 4:43 am

  This is for a 2004 Denali with nothing but problems. Dealers cannot find and fix the shaking and the wandering on these vehicles and are denying a problem even exists. It appears the frames or the design of these vehicles are in question and appear to drive very unstable down the road. Not all Denalis have this problem but there are a lot that do. I feels like you are driving down a bumpy road when the road is not. read the forums at http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com I can deal with the paint problems on the console and the Speedometer issues and all the cosmetic stuff, but I cannot deal with the real problems like bad welds in the frames and the wobbling down the road. I will never buy GM

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  Piece of Tin - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Beberday - January 2 - 2:45 pm

  While I enjoy sitting higher in a vehicle and having 4 wheel drive capability, this vehicle has been a disappointment. From riding like a lumber wagon, getting 17 mpg, road noise, no tire traction whatsoever (read: white knuckling it on ice/snow and Im from Minnesota and know how to drive) to the fuel gauge/thermomemter/CD player, etc., crapping out, I wouldnt buy a GMC again.